Don't want package instead of separate Telangana: AP ministers

Andhra Pradesh ministers from Telangana are staunchly opposing any "special package" for the region in lieu of a separate state.

With reports from New Delhi suggesting that the Congress high command is inclined towards a "special economic and political package" for Telangana without conceding the demand for a separate state, anxious ministers from the region on Wednesday made it clear that "anything except a separate state" would do immense damage to the party.

Ministers D Sridhar Babu, D K Aruna, Danam Nagender and V Sunita Laxma Reddy were among those who spoke against the proposed package and asserted that the only wish of people of the region was Telangana state.

"People's aspirations are very clear and they are for a separate state. Any kind of packages will not do," they said in unison.

The ministers maintained that they were totally opposed to any package that the Congress proposed to announce, while speaking to reporters in the Assembly premises.

"What is the agitation for in these many years? The issue will come back to square one if statehood is not granted for Telangana," the ministers said.

Reports from New Delhi suggested that the Centre would announce a special package before the end of this month to "resolve" the vexatious Telangana issue.

Creation of more jobs and political positions apart from financial grants will be part of the so-called package.

Granting "national project" status for Pranahita-Chevella lift irrigation scheme and also Polavaram will be a part of the package. These two major irrigation projects are expected to benefit Telangana region immensely.